"In fiscal 2011 [April 2010 – March 2011], every one of EA’s releases will have an online component, both downloadable content and online play, and don’t forget that we have a full roster of titles coming from our online subscription site, pogo.com, from our mobile and iPhone group, and of course, our social gaming team, Playfish," said EA COO John Schappert during yesterday's post-earnings conference call with investors. This was found by Edge Online in hashing through a transcript of the call put together by Seeking Alpha. Thanks Mike Martinez.

...and pay for DLC. That is the new hotness - so EXPECT it with everygame.

Step 1: Be a game companyStep 2: Make a game 20% complete and charge 50USD or moreStep 3: Release the other 80% via paid DLCStep 4: Piss off gamers who have more money than common sense and make huge profits.

I think it's a big assumption to think that some other big company with the budget to produce those games will snap up those IP and use them. Even just purchasing the IP itself can be a hellish process.

And to further our little tradition of the obvious:The question I asked, was rhetorical.Spare me. When you have something to say, maybe you'll start your own statements, or share a point of view, rather than ride on the coat tails of those with an opinion.I'll save my smilies for more compelling posts.

Jeraxle wrote on Feb 9, 2010, 21:43:...Also, don't forget that we'll shutdown said online components without any warning whatsoever and way before the life of our product is over.

In short, we've decided to be the Jack Kevorkian of gaming.

EA: You want this game don't you?My inner child: Yes Yes! EA: You really want to play this game called Ultima Online 2?My inner child: Oh yes! I really do! I've collected all the screenshots, and movies! I even made a fan site for it! I can't wait. EA presses the KILL buttonEA: Oh. Sooo sorry! We've decided that game isn't fun enough for you.

You yourself asked - "Why in the name of all that is good and holy, would anything REQUIRE online?"

Of course, the even more obvious answer is "to fight 2nd hand sales / resales / trade-ins / rent" ;p And for that purpose including (no matter how pointless) online components and serial to account links the better for EA.

Did you just point out the obvious to me? Wow, that's funny.Please rethink your triviality and re-post.

No he never stated it'd be an required online component.He said :

every one of EA’s releases will have an online component, both downloadable content and online play

That sounds pretty black and white to me. What the fuck are you trying to argue?I have a browser and do not need an in-game online component. I need a properly engineered online component for my multiplayer games.

If EA would like to start a Steam platform of their own, that's an entirely different matter. However, this doesn't bode consistency, proper integration, etc.It bodes of 360's connecting to PSN and other foul-ups we'll be reading about here on Blues.

Uh yeah, he never said it be an required online component, he meant DLC and Online play and or Online Features ala what in-game cerberus network in ME2 looks like ;p This is not like Ubisofts forced anal online exam every time you (try) to start a game you own.

Also ME2 is developed by bioware.. but the publisher is EA. Same for Dragon Age ;p

Oh goody. Someone want to find this fruitcake and punch him? Repeatedly if necessary. I swear, I don't understand what asshats like this hope to accomplish with idiotic fucking requirements like, 'online elements'.Wasn't it EA that fucked up Shift, their online element on the 360 was trying to hook up with the PSN? Yeah, nice work EA. Hey maybe if they were a bit more focused on making good games rather than pretty games (and marketing the fuck out of them) we wouldn't need goofball requirements like an 'online element'.

What a bunch of fucktards. Why in the name of all that is good and holy, would anything REQUIRE online? Shits sakes, Mass Effect 2 has DLC but is it necessary that it be through the 'Cerberus Network'? NO! There's no multiplayer, there's no chat program, there's no POINT! Developed by Bioware, amazing game, doesn't need online. DOES NOT NEED ONLINE.Fuck pogo.com (and every online social gaming site) and fuck John Schappert in his ass with a barbed dildo.And fuck Farmville.